Coronavirus & Your Marketing Strategy | ITVibes, Houston

As COVID-19 is spreading around the globe, health officials have suggested enforcing stricter social distancing policies. While many businesses are enacting work from home policies, hospitality and travel companies are taking a major hit.

Nobody really knows how much the coronavirus outbreak will impact supply chains and marketing budgets around the globe. Right now, it’s not looking great. The global stock markets are down, and as the health crisis continues, most businesses will be affected.

Don’t Panic

People are panicking and that’s apparent with the empty grocery store shelves and excessive toilet paper consumption. When healthy people hoard supplies, they’re limiting access for those that are at risk while creating an even bigger problem. With the spread of coronavirus, consumers are thinking short term when they need to be considering the future.

Panic leads to chaos. It’s important to think logically in this difficult time and plan for the days, months, and years to come, especially when it comes to your digital marketing strategy. Many brands are looking for ways to cut costs and save, but if you stop marketing your brand, the results can be catastrophic. Most consumers are turning online as they’re stuck at home and without an SEO and social media plan, your products and services won’t be found.

Less Competition

While a downward slope in the economy is never a good thing, it does mean you will have less competition. Those keywords that you’ve wanted to target, but didn’t have the ad budget for, are now up for grabs. Take advantage of less competition and spread the word about your brand.

Shop Local

Support your local economy. Instead of going to Wal-Mart or Target, visit the small store on the corner. Avoid chains, because at the end of this, they’re going to be okay. It’s the regional restaurants, hair salons, and shops that are going to suffer the most.

Pro Tip: Shop local! Invest in your community, and you might build business connections and friendships in the process.

Conclusion

COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire and it’s important to take it seriously. Practice social distancing by staying home and only going out when you absolutely have to. Wash your hands and don’t touch your face! Don’t wave your white flag and cut budgets in a panic. Trust the business you’ve been building and the marketing team you’ve been counting on. Above all, stay calm. Enjoy the quiet time you have away from society to reconnect with yourself, your family, your friends, and/or your pets. Questions about marketing in an uneasy time? Connect with our digital marketing experts to learn more!